DeVonta Smith wasn’t really on anyone’s radar for the 2026 fantasy football season. He was a fine WR2 that always had potential. But he wasn’t a guy you’d prioritize in drafts. Until now.
The trade of A.J. Brown to New England opens the door to elite production in 2026 and beyond. Smith has flirted with top-shelf numbers in the past, but now he could be officially unlocked.
Does that make him a must-draft option redraft leagues and a buy/hold in dynasty fantasy leagues? Or should you avoid Smith and capitalize on his spike in value?
Why 2026 Could Be Smith’s Breakout as Philadelphia’s Alpha
Opportunity has always been the missing piece. We saw Smith see a career-high 136 targets back in 2022, and that resulted in a WR9 overall finish. He hasn’t come close to that type of volume since, which has kept him stuck in WR2 purgatory.
Smith has still consistently produced when called upon, showcasing elite route-running, dependable hands, and the ability to win at every level of the field. The difference now is he may actually see the volume he got four years ago.
The departure of A.J. Brown leaves behind 121 targets, and while players like Makai Lemon, Dallas Goedert, and Saquon Barkley will absorb some of that workload, Smith is the obvious favorite to lead the Eagles in targets, receptions, and receiving yards.
Philadelphia will continue to lean on its running game, but there’s a major difference between operating as the No. 2 option and serving as the focal point of the passing attack. For the first time in years, Smith has legitimate top-10 fantasy receiver upside.
Redraft Fantasy Value
Smith should be viewed as one of the safest receivers in the second tier of fantasy wideouts. The cost is high, but both his floor and ceiling align with the expected draft range.
His weekly floor increases because he’ll command more designed looks, while his ceiling grows thanks to additional red-zone opportunities and a larger target share.
Smith already brought weekly upside due to his down-field ability, but adding extra volume on top of that puts him in the conversation to approach top-5 production.
If Smith slips beyond the first 30 overall selections, he’ll likely become one of the better values in most fantasy drafts.
DeVonta Smith’s Dynasty Outlook: Buy, Hold, or Sell?
Smith’s dynasty stock has never been stronger. Still just 27 years old, Smith enters his prime as Philly’s new alpha receiver. He’s been remarkably useful, finishing as WR29 overall or far better in every single season he’s been in the league.
How you view him may depend on your opinion of Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia’s passing offense, but new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion promises to make them as exciting as ever.
While his trade value has climbed considerably since Brown’s departure, there’s little reason to move him unless another manager is willing to pay true WR1 prices. Even with Philly’s drafting of Makai Lemon, Smith figures to be the top dog in this passing game for 2026 and beyond.
- Buy: Contending teams with a late 1st or 2nd and tier down WR should make the move.
- Hold: If you are in win-now mode, the only reason to move Smith in 2026 is for a huge overpay.
- Sell: Non-contenders should capitalize on Smith’s elite role and upside. If you’re not close, you may not be able to benefit from Smith’s prime, so selling high would make the most sense.
What Makes Smith Such an Attractive Fantasy Investment?
Several factors point toward career-best production for Smith. The fact that we’ve seen him thrive in a big role already is comforting, while being the top guy also negates Philly’s tendency to operate a run-heavy offense.
There are a few risks with Smith, but the good news adds up quickly:
- Clear No. 1 receiver in Philadelphia
- Significant increase in expected target share
- Elite separator and one of the NFL’s best route runners
- Proven producer with multiple 1,000-yard seasons
- Entering the prime years of his career
- Stable quarterback situation with Jalen Hurts
Even if Philadelphia remains one of the league’s more run-heavy teams, Smith doesn’t need 170 targets to produce elite fantasy numbers. A jump into the 140-150 target range would be more than enough to place him firmly inside the WR1 conversation.
Smith has been fantasy relevant for each of the last four years even as he played second fiddle to A.J. Brown. And the only other time he got WR1 type target volume, he smashed.
The One Concern Fantasy Managers Should Monitor
The Eagles aren’t suddenly becoming one of the NFL’s pass-heaviest offenses. Smith is still going to need to be pretty efficient, and/or he will need the expected volume to actually arrive.
Saquon Barkley remains one of football’s premier running backs, while Jalen Hurts’ rushing ability naturally limits passing volume compared to quarterbacks who throw 600+ passes each season.
There’s also the possibility that Makai Lemon develops quickly or another pass catcher earns a larger role than expected.
Still, Smith doesn’t need elite passing volume to deliver elite fantasy value. His efficiency has consistently ranked among the league’s best, and increased opportunity should outweigh any concerns about overall team philosophy.
Should You Draft DeVonta Smith in 2026?
Few players received a larger fantasy boost this offseason than DeVonta Smith. The talent has never been the question, and now opportunity matches his ability on the field.
He’s firmly expected to enter 2026 as Philadelphia’s unquestioned No. 1 receiver with the chance to post career highs across the board. That makes him worthy of an early round pick in redraft leagues, and also makes him a guy worth acquiring in dynasty formats.
In fact, the only reason I’d be out on Smith in any format is if your dynasty team isn’t close to contending.
DeVonta Smith Fantasy Outlook FAQ
Is DeVonta Smith a WR1 in fantasy football for 2026?
Yes. Smith projects as a low-end WR1 or high-end WR2 after taking over as Philadelphia’s top receiver. His combination of talent, projected target share, and quarterback play gives him top-10 upside.
What round should I draft DeVonta Smith?
Smith is an ideal selection in the late second or early third round of 12-team PPR leagues. If he falls beyond that range, he becomes one of the best values on the board.
Is DeVonta Smith a dynasty buy?
Absolutely. Smith is entering his prime, has long-term stability with Jalen Hurts, and now owns the WR1 role in Philadelphia. He’s one of the stronger dynasty investments at the position.
Should I trade for DeVonta Smith now?
If the price is reasonable, yes. His value has already increased, but there’s still room for another jump if he delivers the type of season many expect in 2026.
What is DeVonta Smith’s fantasy ceiling in 2026?
Smith has the upside to finish as a top-five fantasy wide receiver if he approaches 145-plus targets while maintaining the efficiency he’s shown throughout his career.
Playing DFS since the days of DraftStreet, Kevin knows the ins and outs of DFS, specifically for NFL and NBA. He’s also been helping people win in fantasy football leagues for 15+ years and is one of many experts featured at FantasyPros.
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